গ্রামের অনেক মানুষের কাছে কু-পাখির ডাক ভীষণ অমঙ্গলের সংকেত, চেনেন কি এই কু-পাখি

The call of the 'Ku-pakhi', also known as the Brown Boobook owl, has long been associated with ill omens in rural Bengal, with villagers believing it signals death or misfortune. Traditional methods to ward off the perceived bad luck involved heating iron objects until red-hot, believing this would drive the bird away. The author recounts a personal experience of finally spotting the elusive bird, which resembles a small hawk rather than a typical owl, and notes its distinctive 'kuh-kuh' call.

This story highlights the intersection of folklore, nature, and cultural beliefs in rural communities, showing how animal sounds can become deeply ingrained symbols of superstition.